By Paula Williamson, guest writer Paul Harvey wrote a column titled “If I Were the Devil” that I heard quoted years ago. It’s worth Googling if you’ve never heard of it. Most of Paul Harvey’s predictions from that program have come to pass. When I come up with my own “If I Were the Devil” statement, it would be to convince people that what they do or don’t do doesn’t matter. Whether what we do is for good or evil matters. Everything matters! Scripture recounts Jesus speaking to over 5,000 people who had not eaten. Taking stock of the situation, Jesus asks them to find out who has food. One small boy had five barley loaves and two fish. He could have hidden his lunch and kept it to himself. What a bold act of faith it was to imagine that his small lunch would matter. It Is Written JOHN 6:9 -13 There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish; but what are these for so many people ?” 10Jesus said, “Have the people recline to eat .” Now there was plenty of grass in the place. So the men reclined, about five thousand in giving thanks He distributed them to those who were reclining; likewise also of the fish, as much as they wanted. 12 And when they had eaten their fill, He said to His disciples, “Gather up the leftover pieces so that nothing will be lost.” 13 So they gathered them up, and filled twelve baskets with pieces from the five barley loaves which were left over by those who had eaten. Small Lunch, Big God It’s not what we have or don’t have that matters. It’s offering what we have to God, whether it is much or little. In fact, the older I get, the more I realize that it is in my lack that God’s hand moves most. What we do matters. I challenge you to put your impossible situation into the trustworthy hands of God. Prayer Lord, You are a good Father, the owner of the cattle on a thousand hills, the King and creator of the Universe, designed for us to enjoy. I place all that I am, all that I am not, all that I have, and all my lack into Your faithful hands. Do with me as You wish. I anticipate and watch for what You will do, like a child awaiting Christmas morning. I thank You in advance. Like the little drummer boy, I don’t have much, but whatever I have, I give to You. Takeaway What I do or don’t do matters!

By Paula Williamson, guest writer All it takes today to feel worried or afraid is scrolling through social media and the news. What goes in must come out, so be mindful of what you feed your mind and body. For most of us, our annual medical checkup and bloodwork reveal how we have been caring for our bodies. There is no hiding the toll poor diets take on our bodies, and the older we are, the more obvious it becomes. We are in control of what we put into our bodies and minds; why not feed on a steady diet of truth? It Is Written PHILIPPIANS 4:6 -8 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything; tell God your needs, and don’t forget to thank him for his answers. 7 If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will keep your thoughts and your hearts quiet and at rest as you trust in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Feed Yourself Truth There are so many external messages in the world today that hit us from every side. We hear discouraging songs that reinforce depressing themes, messages that come from FB likes or the lack thereof, compliments or none, and we beat ourselves up internally. We also hear affirmations or the lack thereof from peers, coworkers, or those in our circle of life. Jesus Christ was perfect, and the world crucified Him, but living for the audience of One will silence all other voices. Scripture mentions "fear not" and "do not be afraid" more than 365 times. It is full of wisdom and knowledge that provides us with a steady diet of health and truth. Examining what we feed ourselves is key to our mental, physical, and spiritual health. Prayer Lord, when I am anxious, discouraged, or depressed, help me examine what I am meditating on and feeding myself. Help me shift my source of information to the truths in Your word that speak life, health, and blessing to me and others. Remind me that I am not a victim but a conqueror, and that I am in charge of what I feed myself, mentally, physically, and spiritually. Help me shift my focus to things above, to what I have to be thankful for, and to what I can do for You, my audience of One. Takeaway Changing our diet changes our outcome.

By Paula Williamson, guest writer We humans and the world’s messages often make life so complicated. Am I judging, critical, biased, intolerant, narrow-minded, or bigoted? Here’s the lens. Scripture clearly tells us how to recognize the Spirit of God. Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Just as in nature, the fruit becomes visible in the lives of others. It Is Written 1 JOHN 4:2 -31 By this you know and recognize the Spirit of God: every spirit that acknowledges and confesses [the fact] that Jesus Christ has [actually] come in the flesh [as a man] is from God [God is its source]; 3 and every spirit that does not confess Jesus [acknowledging that He has come in the flesh, but would deny any of the Son’s true nature] is not of God; this is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming, and is now already in the world. MATTHEW 7:20 -21 Therefore, by their fruit you will recognize them [as false prophets]. “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven. Fruit Inspecting Time is actually our friend. Sometimes fruit trees are not easy to identify until they bear fruit. The honeymoon period in any relationship is about six months; after that, the fruit reveals the truth. Falling for someone before six months is usually lust, not love. Scripture says we will know them by their fruit. A fig tree does not produce bananas. Fruit does not lie; it shows you exactly what kind of tree it is. This is also true of people. A believer and follower of Christ is easily recognizable over time and through observation. Following Christ is not done by lip service. It’s observable in actions, convictions, and motives. If it doesn’t look, act, or smell like Christ, it’s probably not. Prayer Lord, I do not want to be judgmental, critical, Pharisaical, or self-righteous. I do want to be wise and to walk in Your ways. I ask for wisdom and discernment in all my relationships. When I am inspecting the fruit in others' lives, I give You permission to hold a mirror up to me and create in me a clean heart and a right spirit. Takeaway You can recognize a tree by its fruit, and Christians by their fruit.

By Paula Williamson, guest writer It really bothers me when I hear people say, “He or she made me so mad.” Why, you ask? I used to be one of them. Believing that everyone and everything controls our emotions is like believing we are puppets whose strings others pull. We are in control of how we respond to people and circumstances. We are the ones who choose to wear our mad or glad pants. It Is Written EPHESIANS 6:12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this [present] darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) places. More than Conquerors We are influenced by invisible forces all around us. Jesus died and equipped His followers with power over the enemy through prayer and our words. When we do nothing, we allow ourselves to be manipulated by circumstances, people, or unseen forces. No one can make us feel inferior without our permission. Scripture says we are more than conquerors, not victims. We have been given power to wield, not to sit passively behind a shield. It is time to stand up and use the power and words we have been given and align them with heaven. God’s Word is a sword. Jesus wielded it against Satan. Prayer Lord, Your Word says, "I am more than a conqueror." “As a man thinketh, so is he.” “Behold, I give you power to tread upon serpents and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy.” “Greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.” Help me remember who I am and whose I am today and every day! Takeaway We are victors, not victims!

By Paula Williamson, guest writer I’ve been told the Bible is too complicated to understand. I can see why some would say that. I’ve been reading the Bible for over 50 years, and when I first began, I was sometimes confused. Even Jesus’ disciples asked Him what the greatest commandment was. It Is Written MATTHEW 22:37 -39 And Jesus replied to him, “‘ YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND .’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 The second is like it, ‘ YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF [that is, unselfishly seek the best or higher good for others].’ The Love Lens Jesus answered the disciples’ question with, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind, and love your neighbor as yourself.” He went on to say that doing so fulfilled the law and the prophets. When you look at scripture through the lens of God loving us, our loving God, and loving others as ourselves, it narrows down many questions. When you are uncertain and scripture seems complicated, pull out the love lens. Prayer Lord, Scripture says You are love, and if we don’t know love, we don’t know You. It also says in 2 Corinthians 13 to do all things in love, and the greatest thing we can do is to love. Help Your love flow through me today and always. Remind me to see through the lens of love. Takeaway Love of God, self, and others fulfills the law and the prophets.

By Paula Williamson, guest writer I’ve heard people say they do not get much from reading the Bible. I can understand that. Scripture says it is veiled to the unbelieving. Skeptics find it hard to believe anything. To come to God, we must have the faith of a little child, a childlike, trusting faith. It Is Written HOSEA 4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge [of My law, where I reveal My will]. Because you [the priestly nation] have rejected knowledge, I will also reject you from being My priest. Since you have forgotten the law of your God, I will also forget your children. Faith Faith believes and hopes in what it cannot see. Faith is the beginning of understanding the Bible. Without faith in God and Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit is not present to help interpret the Word of God for you. I remember, as a 12-year-old, understanding songs I had sung in church my whole life. They had been meaningless the day before I surrendered my life to Christ, but fully alive the day after. The Holy Spirit within us unveils God’s Word. Prayer Lord, I want to understand Your Word. Grant me childlike faith in You and in what the Lord Jesus Christ did for me. Thank You, Jesus, the perfect one, for dying for my sins. I surrender my life to You. Thank You, Holy Spirit, for coming to dwell in me and to help me interpret God’s Word. I don’t want my life ruined by ignorance of Your Word. Help me connect with those who read and understand it. Takeaway The Holy Spirit helps interpret God’s Word.

By Paula Williamson, guest writer Living in the age of Social Media gives us the experience of hearing all kinds of opinions. Everybody has one, and some stink worse than others. Someone once told me that the highest form of pride is exalting what one thinks over what God says. Let that sink in. When I began aligning my thinking with the Word of God, my life and heart began to change. I became happy and content in my own skin. It Is Written PROVERBS 1:7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. PSALM 119:9 How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word. PROVERBS 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. PROVERBS12:15 The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice. Wise Instructions If all else fails, read the directions. Scripture has been around for over 3,000 years. Opinions and fads come and go, but God’s Word remains forever, guarding our hearts and minds and instructing us in wisdom for life. If you haven’t read it, try it! Prayer Lord, Your word is secure in the heavens, and You have kept it for over 3.000 years. We cannot say that about much of the words spoken today or the promises made. Help us to read, meditate on, and live out Your words in the world today. Takeaway God’s Word contains life and wisdom.

By Paula Williamson, guest writer Google reports that 42 to 50 percent of Christians read their Bibles. About half of those who identify as Christians read their Bibles. That is a discouraging statistic for a book that promises so much. When I observe our world today, I see a world that could be wiser, kinder, and more honorable, with greater personal integrity. Why not read the book that promises these results? It Is Written 2 TIMOTHY 3:16 -17 All Scripture is God -breathed [given by divine inspiration] and is profitable for instruction, for conviction [of sin], for correction [of error and restoration to obedience], for training in righteousness [learning to live in conformity to God’s will, both publicly and privately—behaving honorably with personal integrity and moral courage]; 17 so that the man of God may be complete and proficient, outfitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work. Bold Promises Scripture says it is God-breathed and profitable for instruction, conviction, correction, restoration, and training in honorable behavior, so that we may be complete and equipped for every good work. Why are we so quick to sign up for every other class and workshop that does not promise such great results? Takeaway Scripture equips us for a good life.

By Paula Williamson, guest writer I am uncertain why we are quick to believe a news blurb on social media or in the news, rather than the written Word of God, which has stood the test of time and scrutiny for over 3,000 years and has not been disproved. God’s Word makes it clear that Satan was an angel in heaven before he lost his heavenly home. He led a rebellion in heaven and now leads one on earth. I rarely hear this preached from any pulpit. Is it because we do not want anyone to think we are weird or have gone off the deep end? If an invisible war is going on, wouldn’t a pastor, of all people, want to equip his church? We are always being influenced by either evil or good. We must learn to discern between the two. It Is Written LUKE 10:18 "And he said to them, 'I saw Satan fall from heaven like lightning'". REVELATION 12: 7 -9 Then war broke out in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. But he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven. The great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him. Invisible Influencers I am amazed by the human mind and its ability to believe whatever we choose. I think we can all agree that we live in a world where we no longer know what is true. That’s when I grab hold of the Word of God, inspired by the creator of the universe. Satan was not only an angel but also lost his place in heaven and took one-third of heaven’s angels with him. Scripture clearly says they are invisible forces leading the whole world astray. That means we are in an invisible war. We’d better learn how to fight! Prayer Lord, You did not leave us defenseless but, in Luke 10:19, gave us all power over the enemy. In 1 Corinthians 10:4-5, it is clear that we hold the weapons that defeat the invisible forces. For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. Help us to arm ourselves with Your truth and to fight the good fight! Takeaway God’s Word is powerful. Isaiah 55:11 So will My word be which goes out of My mouth; It will not return to Me empty, without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the purpose for which I sent it.

By Paula Williamson, guest writer I’ve not thought much about angels in my life, but in recent years I have learned much about them. Hebrews 1:14 says they are ministering spirits sent to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation. Matthew 18:10 says that the angels assigned to children behold the face of God. I have a friend who witnessed a terrible accident. She jumped out of her car to help and saw a white-haired woman grab a baby, hold it, and comfort the mother. The white-haired woman placed the baby into the mother’s arms and disappeared. Everyone survived the accident. This is just one of the many personal testimonies I have heard from others. It Is Written PSALM 103:120 We bless the Lord, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do His commandments, hearkening unto the voice of His word. Personal Experience Whether we believe it or not, Scripture makes it clear that angels intervene in the lives of God’s people. Recently, I found myself in an unfortunate situation, completely worn out from helping with a tedious task. I really did not have the energy or stamina to finish. I remember praying under my breath, knowing that God does abundantly, above and beyond all that we think or ask for. I asked for help from the angels who minister to the heirs of salvation. I had never thought to do this before. The task that had been tedious and taken all day suddenly became simple, and I finished it in minutes. It shocked me. I knew there was divine intervention. Angels are at work, listening to and heeding the word of God. In Scripture, they shut lions’ mouths, strengthened people, warned others, spoke messages from God, and carried out His word. Scripture also says that some have entertained angels unaware. Prayer Lord, thank You for all You do in our lives, even when we do not recognize it. Thank You for angels' intervention in Your world today. Thank You that our personal experience does not nullify Your Word. Thank You for those who believe it with childlike faith and do not entertain doubt or unbelief. Thank You that You are a good Father who keeps Your word. Thank You for angels who minister to Your people. Takeaway Angels minister to the heirs of salvation and hearken to the voice of God’s Word.

By Paula Williamson, guest writer Some scoff at prayer, others question its purpose, and some have become disillusioned because their prayers have gone unanswered. That does not change the fact that scripture tells us to pray and records more than 600 miraculous answers to prayer. It Is Written JAMES 5:14 -16 Are any among you sick? They should call for the elders of the church and have them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 The prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise them up; and anyone who has committed sins will be forgiven. 16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective. Prayer Changes Things Scripture records years added to a man’s life because of prayer. One account describes the sun standing still for a day in answer to prayer. The prayers of the barren brought forth children; wisdom was granted; territory expanded; deliverance from a whale’s belly occurred; the paralyzed were healed; Peter walked on water; demons fled; prison doors opened; the dead were raised; and numerous others. I’d rather pray about everything, as mentioned in scripture, and see some answers than pray nothing and see nothing. Our experience does not nullify the Word of God. Prayer Lord, in a world marked by so much criticism, backbiting, and judging, I want to align my heart and mind with the prayer of Jesus in John 17, where He prays that we would be one, just as He and God are one. Where there is division, I ask for unity. Help us continue loving others and treating them with respect and kindness, even when we don’t agree with them. Takeaway The prayer of faith will save the sick, forgive sins, and heal. It is powerful and effective.

By Paula Williamson, guest writer A home is pretty useless unless we are the ones who hold the keys and the right of entry. There are few memories that compare to someone placing a set of car keys in our hands for the first time. Remember the power and symbolism attached to that day? There is a transfer of power, authority, and freedom like no other. There is also a profound loss of that power when the keys are taken away. Keys symbolize power. It Is Written MATTHEW 16:19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven.” Our Authority Scripture says believers have been given great authority. We are the Ekklesia, God’s ruling body over the earth. Jesus transferred His authority to us when He conquered death and sat at God’s right hand. We have been given important authority, but if we don’t use it, we are not doing our part. Keys lock and unlock, and in Strong’s Concordance they are translated as forbid or permit. What should I be forbidding or permitting in the world around me? That’s a good question. Ask God to reveal it to you through prayer and observation. Keys are useless in the hands of one who does nothing with them. Prayer Lord, help me be a faithful steward of the keys You have entrusted to me. Your word in Luke 10:19 says I have been given all power over the enemy. I use those keys to bind and forbid any lies and deception over my family, school, church, world, and government, and to loose or permit Your truth to come to light everywhere. Your word says we shall know the truth, and the truth will set us free. Takeaway We hold the keys to the kingdom!